Description of Research Expertise

My current research interests are in the translation of various gene transfer technologies into large animal models, up to and including non-human primates.

Description of Clinical Expertise

From a clinical standpoint, I am interested in gastrointestinal surgical problems. In particular, my interests in complex pancreatic, liver and biliary tract disease mesh well with the mission of the University of Pennsylvania Medical center as a quaternary referral center.

The renaissance of interest in surgical procedures for the treatment of morbid obesity has created an opportunity for me to assist in the management of these complex patients. A second application is in the use of partial ileal bypass for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. In both cases, surgery has proven capable of improving the metabolism of affected patients.

The proliferation of bariatric surgery has also spawned a group of people who have not done well with their surgery, often for obscure reasons. I have developed expertise in evaluation and management with revisional surgery in such patients.